Every year, for a few weeks, we learn just enough about the city budget to decide who to blame for its deficit. Some put the blame on the flowers or other types of beautification, while others look at the salaries of city workers or even the stipend given to City Council. It tends to be economically smart to change spending habits with the changes of the economy, both in our own pockets and in city government. And it's not uncommon these days to hear the words "cuts" and "cutbacks." We all want to feel safe in our homes and be able to take our dogs for walks around a neighborhood with parks, …

If there was ever any doubt about the fabulousness of Ferndale, look no further than Boogie Fever. Only in Ferndale can you step out of your house for a Saturday night on the town and end up in a spot where Jimmy Carter is still president or Max Headroom still has a shelf life. Boogie Fever is where stylish and nostalgic Ferndale residents go to relive the best of the '70s and '80s, bringing back the full arsenal of the dance moves that went along with them. I wasn't sure what to expect when I decided to stop by Boogie Fever. I pulled together the outfit that might blend into a retro space. …

The great thing about living in a city such as Ferndale is that there is always a reason to celebrate. Whether it is Boneless Wing Thursdays at Buffalo Wild Wings or Cougar Bash at Boogie Fever, Ferndale swells with cause for celebration. This month, the toast of the town is Como's. It celebrated its 50th birthday April 1. Ferndale residents and friends came out for the party to honor what owner Sicilia Grego calls 50 years of “nothing easy." Moving forward with age, I wondered: Why do we celebrate the sophistication and prestige aging does to a business but not to ourselves? Wanting to toast…